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was here, and the pilot mentioned the word Palango,” Joe added. “Professor Alvarez at the university might be able to tell us what that means.”
    â€œYou see?” Chet said triumphantly to Biff and Tony. “The Hardys always get their man. They’ll find the gold!”
    His words were overheard by the pilot of the small plane near them. He had just climbed out of the cockpit and proved to be a hulking figure in overalls. He carried a long wrench in his right hand.
    The man stared at the boys, his brows furrowed. Then he sidled up to them. “What are you guys doing here?” he scowled. “And who are you?”
    â€œWho are you?” Biff retorted boldly.
    â€œMy name’s Murphy, and they don’t call me Rumble for nothing. Understand?”
    â€œUnderstand,” Chet said hastily. He was not about to tangle with a man carrying a wrench.
    â€œWhat are you after?” the pilot demanded.
    â€œGold,” Chet said.
    â€œIt has to do with Palango,” Joe put in.
    Rumble Murphy stepped toward them. Glowering, he slapped the wrench menacingly against the palm of his left hand. “You’d better go home right now if you want to stay healthy!”

CHAPTER IX
    Chet’s Mistake
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    RUMBLE Murphy brandished his wrench. Chet stepped back for fear of being hit, but Tony stood still, his hands on his hips. Biff assumed a karate stance.
    â€œThat sounds like a threat!” Frank said.
    â€œIt is a threat!” Murphy snapped.
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Joe asked.
    â€œYou’ll find out soon enough if you butt in where you’re not wanted.”
    Joe stepped forward and looked the pilot straight in the eye. “Come on, Murphy!” he demanded. “Why are you threatening us?”
    The man’s answer was a punch that struck Joe on the jaw. Joe staggered backward and toppled over. Biff and Tony caught him as he fell.
    Murphy ran to his plane and jumped in. The boys raced after him. Suddenly Frank shouted, “Hit the ground!”
    They all plunged face downward on the runway. A landing plane sped toward them. They felt a gust of air as one wing passed over them with inches to spare! Shakily, the boys got to their feet.
    â€œLucky you shouted, Frank,” Biff said, “or we would have been mowed down.”
    They watched helplessly as Rumble Murphy took off. He became airborne and vanished into the clouds scudding across the sky.
    â€œMurphy’s a real pro when it comes to flying,” Frank observed.
    Joe rubbed his jaw. “My guess is he’s a boxer,” he said. “That guy hit me really hard with that haymaker.”
    The boys walked to the airport terminal.
    â€œWe must find out about Palango,” Tony remarked.
    â€œLet’s set up an appointment with Professor Alvarez,” Frank suggested.
    Biff clapped Chet on the shoulder. “You’re the expert on archaeology, Chet. We elect you to contact the professor.”
    Chet grinned. “I’ll be glad to. Just lead me to the phone.”
    He made the call to the university. Alvarez said he would welcome the visitors next morning.
    The boys claimed their baggage and took a taxi to the hotel at which they had chosen to stay. After freshening up, they decided to use their free time sightseeing.
    In the lobby, Frank inquired at the desk about a guide, and soon a wiry Mexican with wavy black hair appeared.
    â€œYou want to see Me-hee-co?” he asked the travelers with a friendly grin. “My name is Juan and my car is outside. It will cost you only a few pesos.”
    They made a deal with the guide, who led them to an old auto with crumpled fenders and a crack in the windshield.
    â€œThis must be fifty years old,” Joe presumed. His companions were thinking the same thing. Feeling somewhat dubious about its reliability, they climbed in.
    Juan started the engine, which wheezed and then made a put-putting sound that